Eric Freitag: Concussions, Recovery, and the Action Plan You Need at the Ready
Dec 28, 2023
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Dr. Eric Freitag, licensed clinical psychologist, board-certified neuropsychologist, and certified Emergency Medical Technician, discusses concussions, their treatment, and the importance of having an action plan. Topics include the significance of coaches listening to the episode, cognitive function testing, managing priorities while traveling, seeking additional help for concussions, the unpredictability of symptoms, and the controversy surrounding CTE research in athletes.
Immediate removal from play and rest are crucial in managing concussions.
Long-term consequences of concussions are still not well understood.
Focusing on technique, awareness, and physical fitness can help mitigate and manage concussion risks.
Deep dives
Recovery and Treatment of Concussions
The brain has the ability to heal from concussions, but proper management and treatment are crucial. Immediate removal from play is important to prevent further injury. The acute phase involves rest and allowing the brain to recover. After a few days, gradually reintroducing physical and cognitive activities is recommended. Monitoring symptoms throughout the recovery process is essential. Sleep, hydration, and a healthy diet are also important factors in the healing process. Avoiding drugs, alcohol, and NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) is recommended, especially in the initial days of recovery.
Long-Term Consequences of Concussions
The long-term consequences of concussions are still not well understood. While isolated concussions are unlikely to cause major long-term effects, repetitive head injuries over a long period may increase the risk of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). However, research on this topic is ongoing, and it is unclear who is at risk and what the specific factors are. The overall risk of long-term consequences for individuals who have experienced multiple head injuries or concussions is considered to be minimal to small.
Mitigating Concussion Risk and Promoting Recovery
While there is limited research on specific methods to prevent concussions, some strategies may help reduce risks or support recovery. Strong core and neck muscles can absorb more energy and minimize the impact on the head. Techniques such as proper tackling and heading in sports like football and soccer can also lower the risk of head injuries. Behavioral modifications and proper awareness of body positioning are important. Supplements like creatine could potentially support recovery, but more research is needed. Overall, focusing on technique, awareness, and physical fitness can help mitigate and manage concussion risks.
Importance of Slow Introduction of Activities and Symptoms Monitoring
A gradual introduction of activities and careful monitoring of symptoms is crucial for athletes recovering from concussions. It is recommended to start with low-level activities and gradually increase them as long as symptoms remain manageable. Once symptoms have returned to baseline levels and the athlete has normal physical and cognitive function, the return-to-play process can begin. Return to learn is prioritized, so the athlete should be back at school before returning to sports.
Recognizing When to Seek Professional Help
While primary care doctors play a significant role in managing concussions, sometimes additional help may be needed. If an athlete is following the recommended recovery process but continues to experience slow or unexpected complications, it is advisable to seek a specialist's opinion. If symptoms persist beyond a week and significantly impact daily life, a visit to a specialist in concussions could provide additional tools and guidance to aid recovery.
Dr. Eric Freitag is a licensed clinical psychologist, board-certified neuropsychologist, and certified Emergency Medical Technician. His clinical expertise includes assessing and treating dementia, traumatic brain injury, and sports concussions. He is the founder and Executive Director of the Mt. Diablo Memory Center.
Dr. Freitag works extensively with individuals who have experienced sport-related concussions, including current and retired professional athletes and collegiate and high school student-athletes. He previously served as the Co-Director of the UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland Sports Concussion Program. He is a consultant with UC Berkeley and St. Mary’s College sports medicine departments and works with several Bay Area high schools. Prior to their departure to Las Vegas, Dr. Freitag served as the NFL Neuropsychological Consultant to the Oakland Raiders.
We found this conversation critical for understanding concussions and having an action plan for treatment from the moment of injury. It is a must listen for parents of youth athletes and coaches alike.
SPONSORS
This episode of The Ready State Podcast is brought to you by Momentous, a leading high performance lifestyle company making the best supplements and sports nutrition products for individuals looking to optimize all parts of their lives. Kelly has a bunch of travel coming up, and his go-to travel stack is Momentous Multi, Magnesium for sleep, Omegas, and Collagen Shots. If you want to stock up for your travel plans, go to livemomentous.com/TRS and use code TRS for 20% OFF your first purchase.
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This episode of The Ready State Podcast is brought to you by YETI, from coolers to drinkware to bags, YETI products are Built for the Wild. The Camino is the ultimate man’s diaper bag. It is the greatest carry-all of all time and we use them every single day. Check them out at thereadystate.com/camino.
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